Chinese FM unveils 5-point plan to promote Middle East peace

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday unveiled Beijing's five-point initiative to enhance stability and security in the Middle East. In an interview with Al Arabiya during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Wang Yi voiced China's call to promote "mutual respect" among the countries of the Middle East. He further underlined the need for supporting the efforts of regional governments in Yemen and Syria. According to the Saudi-owned channel, Wang Yi also expressed China's support towards the Saudi initiative to address and resolve the conflict in Yemen.

“We call for implementing the Saudi initiative for a settlement in Yemen as soon as possible," the Chinese Foreign Minister said, as quoted by Al-Arabiya.

Significantly, the Saudi peace initiative proposes an UN-supervised nationwide ceasefire between the Yemen government and Houthi rebels, along with the reopening of air and sea links with the territories held by the rebel group in the country. The Saudi peace plan aims to bring an end to six years of war in Yemen by initiating political negotiations between the two warring sides. The international community has welcomed Saudi Arabia's efforts to bring peace in conflict-hit Yemen.

The  minister also offered Beijing's support to mediating talks between Israel and Palestine with the aim of bringing an end to their decades-old conflict. He further called for a two-state solution to resolve the tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.

“We will invite Palestinian and Israeli public figures to have talks in China,” Wang added, during the interview.

In addition, Wang Yi voiced China's call for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons among countries in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Neom. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various aspects of Saudi-Chinese relations and prospects to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations. They also agreed on opposing any interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

Furthermore, the Chinese Foreign Minister held talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh. The Chinese foreign ministry said that the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern during the meeting. During the meeting, the Saudi Foreign Minister welcomed China's efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

“The Saudi side welcomes the active role of China in protecting security in the Middle East region and welcomes China’s initiatives in these areas,” Farhan Al Saud said, as quoted by media reports.

Later, Wang Yi held a meeting with Nayef Al-Hajraf, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As per a GCC statement, Wang Yi and Nayef Al-Hajraf discussed the latest regional and international developments. They reviewed ways to enhance regional security and stability by "respecting state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and combating terrorism" in line with the UN’s Charter and Security Council resolutions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a six-nation tour in the Middle East from March 24 to March 30. After Saudi Arabia, he is scheduled to officially visit Turkey, Iran, the UAE, and Bahrain and a working visit to Oman.